Readers here know just how big of a Superman fan I've always been, and that's largely why I'm thrilled to share that it's often been fairly widely conjectured that June 18th is the official date wherein the baby Kal-El crashed down onto our world, landing very near to the Kent farm. Now, I realize that the date is speculative -- as is Superman's greater history open to some greater theorizing -- so I'll just provide a link right here which does summarize some of the important dates in greater DC History. I acknowledge it as such, and I'm making it today's SciFi Highlight. Read on, my friends, read on!
Award-winning actress Mae Busch certainly knew how to deliver a command performance when the script required it. Alas, there wasn't a great deal of authentic genre work back in her day, but she does have a few citations worthy of mentioning. In 1925, she lit up the screen in the Horror/Drama The Unholy Three for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. In 1932, she had a small role aboard Doctor X for First National Pictures. In 1942, she shared the screen with a werewolf (of sorts) in The Mad Monster for Sigmund Neufeld Productions. Though she's no longer with us, Busch was born on this day in 1891.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2018, I caught a broadcast airing of 1932's Doctor X -- in which Busch had a small role -- when it made the rounds on Turner Classic Movies. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2018, I caught a broadcast airing of 1932's Doctor X -- in which Busch had a small role -- when it made the rounds on Turner Classic Movies. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Character actor John Warburton -- shown above alongside Mark Lenard from Star Trek's "Balance Of Terror" -- maintains the SciFi distinction of playing one of the very first Romulans known to mankind. (Sure, it's fictional, but it still counts for something!) Though he's no longer with us, Warburton was born on this day in 1899.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Llewellyn Rees played the 'President' aboard "The Deadly Assassin," a mid-1970's serial of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Other roles include stops to such projects as The Adventures Of Robin Hood, The Secret Agent (1967), Ace Of Wands, Star Trap (1989), Chillers, and Doomwatch. Though he's no longer with us, Rees was born on this day in 1901.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late Keye Luke managed to squeeze an impressive 222 credits into his talent-filled existence, oft times catching the eye of genre fans who might not remember his name. While a fair portion of his work was in voice acting, he still showed us he had the right moves in such programs as The Green Hornet, Star Trek, Dr. Shrinker, Voyagers, Faerie Tale Theatre, Gremlins (1984), Superboy, and Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990). Though he's no longer with us, Luke was born on this day in 1904.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When Superman first appeared in the popular radio serial -- The Adventures Of Superman -- in 1940, it was the sterling voice of one Bud Collyer who voiced both the Man of Steel and his Earthly alter ego 'Clark Kent.' Though he's no longer with us, Collyer was born on this day in 1908.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
While Superman was off making whoopie with Lois Lane, E.G. Marshall played the President of the United States forced to surrender to three Kryptonian villains aboard Superman II (1980). Though he's no longer with us, Marshall was born on this day in 1914.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Most folks know Richard Boone as the man who played 'Paladin' of Have Gun - Will Travel (a truly awesome show in its own right) fame from the glory days of television, but I remember his appearance in the 1977 actioner The Last Dinosaur. Though he's no longer with us, Boone was born on this day in 1917.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Among other things, Wesley Lau enjoyed a pair of visits to the Golden Age of Television aboard Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. He also turned up in One Step Beyond, The Time Tunnel, Land Of The Giants, and The Six Million Dollar Man. Though he's no longer with us, Lau was born on this day in 1921.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Robert Ellenstein certainly brought an air of gravitas to his portrayal of the Federation Council President aboard the popular Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986). To the actor's credit, this wasn't his only foray into the realms of the Fantastic. You can check him out in such other properties as Mandrake The Magician (1954), I Spy, One Step Beyond, Peter Gunn, Get Smart, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., The Wild Wild West, Mission: Impossible, The Bionic Woman, Love At First Bite (1979), A Man Called Sloane, V, The Time Machine (1997), Journey To The Center Of The Earth (199), and The Invisible Man (1998). Though he's no longer with us, Ellenstein was born on this day in 1923.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hungarian-born actress Eva Bartok enjoyed her brush with the Final Frontier with a leading role aboard Spaceways (1953) for Hammer Films. Other genre appearances include work aboard The Gamma People (1956) and Blood And Black Lace (1964). Though she's no longer with us, Bartok was born on this day in 1927.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Maggie McNamara's resume include an incredible slim thirteen professional credits, and -- from what little I've been able to unearth biographically on her -- it would look like film and television just wasn't her thing. There are some indications that she instead pursued more projects on the theater stage as some actors and actresses are inclined to do. Whatever the case, fans do have a single visit to the world of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone for good measure. Though she's no longer with us, McNamara was bornon this day in 1928.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Public Service Announcement:
Sadly, Maggie struggled with depression for quite some time and eventually took her own life. So if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Public Service Announcement:
Sadly, Maggie struggled with depression for quite some time and eventually took her own life. So if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.
That grim-faced Imperial officer from Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back is none other than actor Michael Sheard. As Admiral Ozzel, he offended the Dark Lord of the Sith one too many times, and I believe he was the first one Force-choked to death in TESB, though he wasn't the last. He also had several appearances as several characters in the long-running BBC juggernaut, Doctor Who. Though he's no longer with us, Sheard was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Born on this day back in 1942, Nick Tate has had a rather impressive acting career contributing to sci-fi. Of course, he's probably best known as Alan Carter from Space:1999, but he's also had guest appearances in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, The X-Files, and Farscape, to name but a few. He even holds the distinction of providing the voice to the dastardly "Prince Xizor" from the Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire video game. Thanks for all you've done, Nick, and Happy Birthday!
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ahem. Sometimes, you lead with what God gave you. A juicy bit of trivia surrounding the late Luan Peters is that the allegedly size of her cleavage was highlighted prominently in studio promotions for a particular crime thriller, a measurement she later denied. But the woman was no stranger to genre, having provided work aboard such projects as My Partner The Ghost, Lust For A Vampire (1971), Twins Of Evil (1971), and a pair of visits to the wide, wide world of the BBC's Doctor Who. Though she's no longer with us, Peters was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It takes a real woman to play a Cardassian, and the lovely Linda Thorson properly chewed scenery in the guise of 'Gul Ocett' in "The Chase," an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Thorson was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though her resume might be thin, Jennifer Richards still managed to squeeze in work in the flesh or otherwise aboard such genre projects as TerrorVision (1986), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Superman: The Animated Series. Richards was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Carol Kane is one of the screen talents who is currently desecrating the legacy of Star Trek with her work as an eccentric engineer (or something or other) aboard the occasionally nonsensical Star Trek: Strange New Worlds for Paramount+. Kane was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Brian Benben (above right) made an appearance alongside Dolph Lundgren in 1990's fondly remember SciFi B-movie, Dark Angel (aka I Come In Peace). Benben was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Some time during one of the film's push with a new home video release, I received a promotional copy of Dark Angel (1990) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on the Information Superhighway. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Some time during one of the film's push with a new home video release, I received a promotional copy of Dark Angel (1990) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on the Information Superhighway. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Though it appears that Dominic Guard has retired from the acting profession, he does have some genre credentials worthy of mention in this space. First, he provided the voice of 'Pippin' for the Ralph Bakshi's animated The Lord Of The Ring (1978), a film that deserved a legitimate sequel to finish out the story. A few years later, he enjoyed a four-episode commitment to the world of Doctor Who. Guard was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she's more likely remembered for her contributions to the world of daytime soap operas, actress and producer Andrea Evans was no one-trick-pony. Genre fans cansee what she was capable of doing in such properties as Ice Cream Man (1995) and the early 2000's run of The Twilight Zone radio dramas. Though she's no longer with us, Evans was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Ralph Brown had the good fortune to appear alongside Sigourney Weaver in Alien 3; and, in 2000, he had a brief recurring stint aboard the sci-fi oddity that was Lexx. Brown was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hats off to the lovely and talented Barbara Broccoli -- daughter to Albert R. Broccoli, a name that should be known to spy aficionados -- for keeping alive the James Bond franchise after the death of her father. I realize the franchise is neither SciFi nor Fantasy "proper," but it's always flirted with fantastic elements that fans usually cheer. Besides, it's my party, and I'll cry if I want to ... so I'm featuring her here. Broccoli was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Stephen Marcus was a series regular on both Starhunter and Starhunter 2300 in the early 2000's, but he's also had an appearance on Doctor Who as well as reprising the role of Rudolfo in Starhunter: Transformation. Marcus was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you've ever piloted the USS Enterprise, then you deserve a bit of love! Gina Hernandez did such a task for her work aboard the web-based project Star Trek Phase II. Hernandez was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Robin Christopher booked a pair of appearances to the world of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine fairly early in its run. Christopher was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've always loved Kim Dickens' work (shown at right from Hollow Man). To be honest, she first caught my eye with her performance in HBO's stellar Western Deadwood, and I'm thrilled that she was a big part of AMC's The Walking Dead spin-off, Fear The Walking Dead. She's also had supporting roles in Lost and FastForward that had been quite good. Dickens was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Poor Timi Prulhiere! She had the unfortunate task of serving as the White House tour guide during the invasion that was Tim Burton's Mars Attacks! (1996) She's also scored roles aboard Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman and NightMan. Prulhiere was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Alas, actor Daniel Rigney left us far too soon. He leaves behind a resume of only sixteen professional credits, but genre fans might know his name from his screen time aboard The Island Of Dr. Moreau (1996) from New Line Cinema. Though he's no longer with us, Rigney was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Amanda Burke has been sprinkling herself into small roles in such genre properties as Stargate: Atlantis, The X-Files, Supergirl, and The Twilight Zone. Burke was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lisa Barbuscia proved that love was immortal at least when it involves 'Immortals' with her work aboard Highlander: Endgame (2000) for Dimension Films. Barbuscia was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though director Greg Yaitanes is presently best known as the driving force behind one of TV's best red-meat programs today -- Cinemax's incredible Banshee -- he did 'cut his teeth' in Science Fiction with some directing gigs aboard such franchises as Cleopatra 2525, The Invisible Man, Children Of Dune, Heroes, and Lost. Yaitanes was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Adam Grimes enjoyed appearances aboard a pair of episodes as part of Star Trek: Enterprise's fourth (and final) season. Grimes was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
You just can't keep a good woman down: years after suffering a cruel fate in her professional acting debut aboard an episode of Mortal Kombat: Conquest, the entirely fetching Alana De La Garza returned to the world of Fantasy with a top role aboard the single season Forever. De La Garza was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she has appeared in many live action productions, lovely Tara Platt boasts an even more impressive resume in voice acting for animated and gaming properties. Genre fans might know her vocal talents from Sailor Moon, Supreme Commander (2007), Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles, Afterworld, Final Fantasy VIII, Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, Star Wars: The Old Republic - Rise of the Hutt Cartel, and much much more. Platt was born on this day in 1978.
The resourceful Kristina Klebe recently entered the world of cinematic Fantasy with a role aboard the 2019 reboot of Hellboy for Summit Entertainment. Klebe was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
David Giuntoli has spent more than his share of time shining a little light onto the force of Fantasy darkness aboard NBC's popular Grimm. Giuntoli was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of Ryan Spahn's earliest professional 'gigs' was playing a Borg drone aboard an episode of Star Trek: Voyager. Spahn was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Sorel Carradine enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard an episode of Marvel's Runaways for Hulu during its run on the streaming platform. Carradine was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Meaghan Rath brought her winning smile and pearly whites (eyes, that is) to the role of 'Sally Malik' aboard the Americanized adaptation of the BBC's Being Human. Rath was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you haven't yet watched Amazon.com's Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams, then consider my encouragement yet one more voice to put you on a path to discover it. Like any anthology series, there are good installments and lesser ones, but Richard Madden headlines a particularly solid chapter involving science and telepathy colliding against a backdrop of social unrest. Madden was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Occasionally when comic book publishers are trying to promote a new property they'll hire a model/actress to help bring the character to life in reality at conventions, TV shows, and the like. In the case of Slickforce Girl, the entirely fetching Melanie Iglesias ably suited up for the pursuit of justice. Iglesias was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Mallory Jansen made a home for herself aboard such genre properties of Galavant and Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. Jansen was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When she was but an urchin, Renee Olstead enjoyed a wee role aboard Space Cowboys (2000) for Warner Bros. She also enjoyed a bit of work in the Arnold Schwarzenegger Fantasy flick End Of Days (1999) for Touchstone and Universal Pictures. Otherwise, her resume is full of more mainstream fare. Let's hope she hasn't forgotten her genre roots! Olstead was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
HBO's thrilling Game Of Thrones adaptation has certainly set the bar high for quality in the realm of Fantasy, and Jacob Anderson -- in the guise of 'Grey Worm' -- is just one of hundreds of players who've contributed to that world along the way. Anderson was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
How can you make the dark, soulful eyes of Willa Holland even more intoxicating? Why, you put them under a mask! That's precisely what the showrunners for The CW's long-running Arrow learned, and they've never looked back. Holland was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Relative newcomer Sean Teale is no stranger to genre projects. He's enjoyed meaty roles aboard Reign, Syfy's Incorporated, and Fox TV's The Gifted. Teale was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Can you get any more 'Fantasy' than the mythical city of Atlantis? Well, that's what audiences found out on this day in 1951 (in Denmark) when one more look at the supposed island state can to cinemas under the name of Siren Of Atlantis. Based on the novel by Pierre Benoit, the Fantasy film starred Maria Montez, Jean-Pierre Aumont, and Dennis O'Keefe; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A pair of explorers stumble across a lost city in the desert ruled by a mysterious queen."
"A pair of explorers stumble across a lost city in the desert ruled by a mysterious queen."
A star is born!
On this day in 1960 (in the U.S.), the good people of Palm Springs, California were treated to the theatrical debut of House Of Usher. Directed by genre master Roger Corman from an adaptation of the Edgar Allen Poe story as scripted by Richard Matheson, the Horror/Fantasy starred Vincent Price, Mark Damon, and Myrna Fahey. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Upon entering his fiancée's family mansion, a man discovers a savage family curse and fears that his future brother-in-law has entombed his bride-to-be prematurely."
For the record:
Back in 1961, House Of Usher enjoyed the Laurel Award in the category of 'Sleeper Of The Year.' Flashforward to 2005: House Of Usher was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve pictures that have contributed to the aesthetic, historical, and cultural history of filmdom.
"Upon entering his fiancée's family mansion, a man discovers a savage family curse and fears that his future brother-in-law has entombed his bride-to-be prematurely."
For the record:
Back in 1961, House Of Usher enjoyed the Laurel Award in the category of 'Sleeper Of The Year.' Flashforward to 2005: House Of Usher was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve pictures that have contributed to the aesthetic, historical, and cultural history of filmdom.
On this day in 1967, Late August at the Hotel Ozone enjoyed its U.S. theatrical premiere. The Czech-language SciFi/Drama was directed by Jan Schmidt and starred Vladimír Hlavatý, Jitka Horejsi, and Ondrej Jariabek. Here's the premise as cited on IMDB.com:
"A troupe of young women on post-apocalyptic earth are lead around by a mistress born before the war, eventually stumbling into the company of a lonely old man."
For the record:
At present, Late August At The Hotel Ozone is one of those pictures whose original release date appears lost to history. IMDB.com indicates two engagements prior to this one in 1967, but they fail to cite specific dates. In the meantime, I'll keep my eyes watching for more specific data.
"A troupe of young women on post-apocalyptic earth are lead around by a mistress born before the war, eventually stumbling into the company of a lonely old man."
For the record:
At present, Late August At The Hotel Ozone is one of those pictures whose original release date appears lost to history. IMDB.com indicates two engagements prior to this one in 1967, but they fail to cite specific dates. In the meantime, I'll keep my eyes watching for more specific data.
A star is born!
On this day in 1976 (in the U.S.), The Food Of The Gods went big in its original theatrical run. Genre legend Bert I. Gordon both adapted the H.G. Wells story for the silver screen and directed it, and the film starred Marjoe Gortner, Pamela Franklin, and Ralph Meeker. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of friends travel to a remote Canadian island to hunt, only to be attacked by giant killer animals which have populated the place."
For the record:
As well as scoring a bit of positive praise from a screening on the film festival circuit, The Food Of The Gods enjoyed a 1977 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film.'
"A group of friends travel to a remote Canadian island to hunt, only to be attacked by giant killer animals which have populated the place."
For the record:
As well as scoring a bit of positive praise from a screening on the film festival circuit, The Food Of The Gods enjoyed a 1977 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film.'
A star is born!
On this day in 1977 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Telefilm Exo-Man was broadcast to interested audiences. Directed by Richard Irvin, the feature starred David Ackroyd, Anne Schedeen, and A. Martinez; and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A professor, who has been paralyzed in an attack by mob hitmen, builds a suit that enables him to walk and fight crime."
For the record:
Sigh. Alas, according to IMDB.com, this TV airing was the project's only release to the masses-at-large. The site also states that the project was intended as a pilot for a genre series; however, no series ever materialized.
"A professor, who has been paralyzed in an attack by mob hitmen, builds a suit that enables him to walk and fight crime."
For the record:
Sigh. Alas, according to IMDB.com, this TV airing was the project's only release to the masses-at-large. The site also states that the project was intended as a pilot for a genre series; however, no series ever materialized.
On this day in 1977 (in Japan), Futureworld took audiences on a trip into the cinematic sequel of Westworld. Directed by Richard T. Heffron from a story by Mayo Simon and George Schenck, the SciFi/Thriller starred Peter Fonda, Blythe Danner, and Arthur Hill. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Upon uncovering the dirty secret of futuristic theme-park Futureworld, an ex-employee is killed after he tips off two other reporters who decide to do an undercover investigation."
For the record:
"Upon uncovering the dirty secret of futuristic theme-park Futureworld, an ex-employee is killed after he tips off two other reporters who decide to do an undercover investigation."
For the record:
- At the 1977 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actress Blythe Danner won the coveted titled of 'Best Actress.' Alas, the film missed out on winning the trophy in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
- At the 1977 Hugo Awards, Futureworld enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1988 (in Japan), The Phantom Empire enjoyed a run through theaters. Written (in part) and directed by Fred Olen Ray, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Sybil Danning, Ross Hagen, and Jeffrey Combs. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a man-eating cave creature appears with a fortune in uncut diamonds around his neck, Dr. Chambers' daughter Denae hires adventurers C & C Salvage to find the underground source of the gems. Accompanied by archeaological intern Andrew Paris, mineralogist Prof. Strock, and C&C's scruffy owners Cort Eastman and Eddy Colchilde, Denea's hopes of emerging from her famous father's shadow become as remote as getting out of the caves alive!"
"When a man-eating cave creature appears with a fortune in uncut diamonds around his neck, Dr. Chambers' daughter Denae hires adventurers C & C Salvage to find the underground source of the gems. Accompanied by archeaological intern Andrew Paris, mineralogist Prof. Strock, and C&C's scruffy owners Cort Eastman and Eddy Colchilde, Denea's hopes of emerging from her famous father's shadow become as remote as getting out of the caves alive!"
On this day in 1992 (in Iceland), Sundown: The Vampire In Retreat enjoyed its release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Anthony Hickox, the film starred David Carradine, Bruce Campbell, Morgan Brittany, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Vampires residing in a town wear sunscreen. A Van Helsing descendant arrives, leading to humorous situations as their paths intersect."
"Vampires residing in a town wear sunscreen. A Van Helsing descendant arrives, leading to humorous situations as their paths intersect."
On this day in 1993 (in Romania), Aliens upped the ante on what was possible in Science Fiction. Written (in part) and directed by James Cameron, the film starred Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, and Paul Reiser; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Fifty-seven years after surviving an apocalyptic attack aboard her space vessel by merciless space creatures, Officer Ripley awakens from hyper-sleep and tries to warn anyone who will listen about the predators."
For the record:
Simply put, Aliens was then and remains today nothing short of phenomenal. While the original established the property, I'd argue that it took the sequel to firmly establish it as a proper Science Fiction franchise. Multiple films have explored the growing mythology behind the Xenomorphs, and 20th Century Fox even paired the aliens up with the Predator for a picture or two. Still, Aliens won the Oscars for 'Best Sound Editing' and 'Best Special Effects' at the 1987 Academy Awards, and the picture even garnered an acting nomination for Weaver -- a rarity for a SciFi film.
"Fifty-seven years after surviving an apocalyptic attack aboard her space vessel by merciless space creatures, Officer Ripley awakens from hyper-sleep and tries to warn anyone who will listen about the predators."
For the record:
Simply put, Aliens was then and remains today nothing short of phenomenal. While the original established the property, I'd argue that it took the sequel to firmly establish it as a proper Science Fiction franchise. Multiple films have explored the growing mythology behind the Xenomorphs, and 20th Century Fox even paired the aliens up with the Predator for a picture or two. Still, Aliens won the Oscars for 'Best Sound Editing' and 'Best Special Effects' at the 1987 Academy Awards, and the picture even garnered an acting nomination for Weaver -- a rarity for a SciFi film.
On this day in 1993 (in the United Kingdom), Breakfast Of Aliens served up the first meal of the day by way of Science Fiction and Comedy. Written (in part) and directed by David Lee Miller, the feature starred Vic Dunlop, Donald Gibb, and Indy Shriner. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A lovable loser, Walter Clydepepper eats an alien from outer space in his cereal and becomes a deadly stand up comic."
"A lovable loser, Walter Clydepepper eats an alien from outer space in his cereal and becomes a deadly stand up comic."
Well now: doesn't THAT look sparkly? I've yet to see Nemesis I or II so the fact that there was a Nemesis III escaped me perfectly. Written and directed by Albert Pyun, the film starred Sue Price, Tim Thomerson, and Norbert Weisser. However, the synopsis I found on IMDB.com doesn't bode well for my adding the series to my bucket list any time soon:
"Using footage left over from Nemesis 2 and a very thin story line sees Alex again fighting the cyborg mercenaries in 1998 East Africa. This time, Alex finds that she has 20 half sisters who are waiting for her to return to 2077. Central Command wants Alex captured alive and scanned to see if her DNA is a strong and more powerful strain than the normal. But Alex may be too tough for Farnsworth to capture."
"Using footage left over from Nemesis 2 and a very thin story line sees Alex again fighting the cyborg mercenaries in 1998 East Africa. This time, Alex finds that she has 20 half sisters who are waiting for her to return to 2077. Central Command wants Alex captured alive and scanned to see if her DNA is a strong and more powerful strain than the normal. But Alex may be too tough for Farnsworth to capture."
On this day in 1997 (in Hungary), the 1982-produced BrainWaves enjoyed a new release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Ulli Lommel, the film starred Keir Dullea, Vera Miles, Tony Curtis, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a traffic accident Kaylie is in coma for months. Her doctors want to try a new procedure on her: to regain her consciousness, they stimulate her brain with neural patterns of a woman who just died. It works, and Kaylie seems to be ok again. However in her dreams, she lives the last day of her savor - and realizes that she's been killed! Together with her husband she tries to find out what happened."
"After a traffic accident Kaylie is in coma for months. Her doctors want to try a new procedure on her: to regain her consciousness, they stimulate her brain with neural patterns of a woman who just died. It works, and Kaylie seems to be ok again. However in her dreams, she lives the last day of her savor - and realizes that she's been killed! Together with her husband she tries to find out what happened."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), American Psycho 2: All American Girl enjoyed its debut on home video. Directed by Morgan J. Freeman from a story by Alex Sanger, Karen Craig, and Bret Easton Ellis, the film starred Mila Kunis, William Shatner, Robin Dunne, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A girl named Rachael Newman has developed a taste for murder and will stop at nothing to become a college professor's assistant."
"A girl named Rachael Newman has developed a taste for murder and will stop at nothing to become a college professor's assistant."
A star is born!
On this day in 2005, the SciFi/Telefilm SharkMan (aka Hammerhead) swam before our collective eyes. Directed by Michael Oblowitz, the feature starred Jeffrey Combs, Hunter Tylo, and William Forsythe; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist tries to save his son from cancer but his experiments turn him into a shark-man instead. A group of people from a pharmaceutical corporation are sent to the mad doctor's island to investigate his activities."
"A scientist tries to save his son from cancer but his experiments turn him into a shark-man instead. A group of people from a pharmaceutical corporation are sent to the mad doctor's island to investigate his activities."
A star is born!
On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), Bitter Feast enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever when it was screened for audiences of the Los Angeles Film Festival. Written and directed by Joe Maggio, the film starred James Le Gros, Larry Fessenden, Megan Hilty, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A celebrity chef exacts revenge on a food blogger who torpedoes his career."
For the record:
At the 2011 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, Bitter Feast received nominations in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor' (Joshua Leonard) and 'Best Actor' (James Le Gros).
"A celebrity chef exacts revenge on a food blogger who torpedoes his career."
For the record:
At the 2011 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, Bitter Feast received nominations in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor' (Joshua Leonard) and 'Best Actor' (James Le Gros).
A star is born!
On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), audiences were afraid to go back into the water again with the theatrical release of Zombie Beach at the Urban Suburban Film Festival. Written by (in part), directed by, and starring Mukesh Asopa, the Horror/Fantasy also starred Katherine Stefanski, Kristi Woods, and Kamal Nandi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Centuries ago, rather than have a full out war of the revelation, a deal was struck between the heroes of the good and the evil. The beach you visited was sanctioned to the evil. There, the undead could walk like living beings among us. Most of them refers to them as Zombies."
For the plot:
To the film's credit, Zombie Beach had a lotta bite! It played to some very solid acclaim on the film festival circuit.
"Centuries ago, rather than have a full out war of the revelation, a deal was struck between the heroes of the good and the evil. The beach you visited was sanctioned to the evil. There, the undead could walk like living beings among us. Most of them refers to them as Zombies."
For the plot:
To the film's credit, Zombie Beach had a lotta bite! It played to some very solid acclaim on the film festival circuit.
A star is born!
On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to the exclusive theatrical premiere of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Directed by Timur Bekmambetov from a story by Seth Grahame-Smith, the film starred Benjamin Walker, Rufus Sewell, Dominic Cooper, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, discovers vampires are planning to take over the United States. He makes it his mission to eliminate them."
"Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, discovers vampires are planning to take over the United States. He makes it his mission to eliminate them."
On this day in 2015 (in Peru), the 1984-produced The Terminator made the past dangerous again as it enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release for audiences. Written (in part) and directed by James Cameron, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, Arnold "Screw Your Freedom" Schwarzenegger, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
For the record:
It's impossible to deny the clout James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger earned with the release of this little gem. Yes, it gave them a franchise in the broader scheme of things, but it's an enduring property that continues to produce iterations in film, television, and print which give fans more to consume, if not think about. As for the original flick? The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films was smitten, giving the feature an incredible three Saturn Awards ('Best Make-up,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') while having to settle for nominations only in four other categories ('Best Music,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Actor'). Like that unstoppable machine of the title, the franchise refuses to go down for the fight, and I suspect we'll see more of the same in the years ahead.
"A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
For the record:
It's impossible to deny the clout James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger earned with the release of this little gem. Yes, it gave them a franchise in the broader scheme of things, but it's an enduring property that continues to produce iterations in film, television, and print which give fans more to consume, if not think about. As for the original flick? The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films was smitten, giving the feature an incredible three Saturn Awards ('Best Make-up,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') while having to settle for nominations only in four other categories ('Best Music,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Actor'). Like that unstoppable machine of the title, the franchise refuses to go down for the fight, and I suspect we'll see more of the same in the years ahead.
A star is born!
On this day in 2016 (in the United Kingdom), The White King enjoyed its first exhibition ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Edinburgh International Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by the team of Alex Helfrecht and Jörg Tittel, the film starred Olivia Williams, Fiona Shaw, and Jonathan Pryce. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A 12-year-old boy rebels after a brutal government labels his father a traitor and imprisons him."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The White King enjoyed a wealth of positive praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A 12-year-old boy rebels after a brutal government labels his father a traitor and imprisons him."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The White King enjoyed a wealth of positive praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born!
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), the good people of New Orleans, Louisiana were treated to the debut of Alien, Baby! Written and directed by the team of Andrew Rakich and Eduardo Urueña, the film starred Nathaniel Hendricks, Kendra Unique, Mohit Jaswal, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Brian, a simple shovel salesman, thinks Alice is the girl of his dreams, but she's the stuff of nightmares: a shape-shifting alien bent on destroying the human race through sheer reproductive power. Brian soon gives birth to a half-human infant, the first of an alien master race. With the help of a psychotic private detective and an archaeologist with a mysterious past, Brian races to save the world from certain destruction. But as the bond between mother and child grows, will Brian be capable of making the ultimate sacrifice to save his species?"
"Brian, a simple shovel salesman, thinks Alice is the girl of his dreams, but she's the stuff of nightmares: a shape-shifting alien bent on destroying the human race through sheer reproductive power. Brian soon gives birth to a half-human infant, the first of an alien master race. With the help of a psychotic private detective and an archaeologist with a mysterious past, Brian races to save the world from certain destruction. But as the bond between mother and child grows, will Brian be capable of making the ultimate sacrifice to save his species?"
A star is born!
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), some dolls were never meant to be, and yet here we are with the release of Charlotte 2 (aka Charlotte: The Return). Written and directed by the team of Nathan Crooker, Kayden Phoenix, Richard Powell, and Ruben Rodriguez, the film starred Amanda Lynn Baez, Ariana Galya, Sabi Garcia, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"That creepy doll Charlotte is back with all new tales of shock and disgust. Charlotte takes you on an otherworldly journey of frightening tales of unspeakable terror that will thrill you and chill you."
"That creepy doll Charlotte is back with all new tales of shock and disgust. Charlotte takes you on an otherworldly journey of frightening tales of unspeakable terror that will thrill you and chill you."
A star is born!
On this day in 2021 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the Tribeca Film Festival were treated to the first theatrical engagement ever of Settlers. Written and directed by Wyatt Rockefeller, the SciFi/Drama starred Sofia Boutella, Ismael Cruz Cordova, and Brooklynn Prince. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Mankind's earliest settlers on the Martian frontier do what they must to survive the cosmic elements and each other."
For the record:
At the 2021 Trieste Science+Fiction Festival, Settlers enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best International Science Fiction Film.'
"Mankind's earliest settlers on the Martian frontier do what they must to survive the cosmic elements and each other."
For the record:
At the 2021 Trieste Science+Fiction Festival, Settlers enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best International Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1955 (in the U.S.), Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired "Comet Of Danger." According to the reliable IMDB.com, here's that episode's plot summary:
"A photographer traveling with Tom, Astro and T.J. on a routine mission requests to take close-up pictures of a nearby comet with disastrous results."
"A photographer traveling with Tom, Astro and T.J. on a routine mission requests to take close-up pictures of a nearby comet with disastrous results."
On this day in 1955 (in the U.S.), Science Fiction Theatre aired "Marked 'Danger.'" This served as the eleventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A man prospecting in the desert finds a sealed experimental container containing two white mice, and brings them home to his wife before calling the authorities. But when the authorities arrive, the two mice are gone, with only a green residue in the container."
"A man prospecting in the desert finds a sealed experimental container containing two white mice, and brings them home to his wife before calling the authorities. But when the authorities arrive, the two mice are gone, with only a green residue in the container."
On this day in 1966 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Savages." This served as the forty-first episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor urges the Savages to finally bring an end to the Elders' oppression and enlists the help of an unlikely ally."
"The Doctor urges the Savages to finally bring an end to the Elders' oppression and enlists the help of an unlikely ally."
On this day in 1979, Battle Of The Planets aired "Seals Of Sytron." This served as the thirty-eighth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Galactor attacks Sytron, the only mining and storage facility of Galactite Hydronium for the entire earth. Galactite Hydronium is the fuel that powers Earth's spacecrafts and holds her forcefields together. G-Force must defend the island and rescue the workers."
"Galactor attacks Sytron, the only mining and storage facility of Galactite Hydronium for the entire earth. Galactite Hydronium is the fuel that powers Earth's spacecrafts and holds her forcefields together. G-Force must defend the island and rescue the workers."
On this day in 1999, Farscape aired the ninth episode of its first season. The hour was titled "DNA Mad Scientist," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A scientist claims to have maps to large parts of the galaxy. And offers the crew a map to get to their respective homes. In exchange for the map, he wants some genetic material, he wants Pilot's arm. How far is the crew willing to go to get back home?"
"A scientist claims to have maps to large parts of the galaxy. And offers the crew a map to get to their respective homes. In exchange for the map, he wants some genetic material, he wants Pilot's arm. How far is the crew willing to go to get back home?"
On this day in 1999 (in Australia), Thunderstone aired "Tau's New Weapon." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by TV.com:
"After deactivating the electro-nets, Noah, Becky and the Nomads decide to visit the Sandtribers. Tao gets permission from the Shadow Master to unleash a new weapon against the Nomads and animals of Haven."
"After deactivating the electro-nets, Noah, Becky and the Nomads decide to visit the Sandtribers. Tao gets permission from the Shadow Master to unleash a new weapon against the Nomads and animals of Haven."
On this day in 2000, Code Name: Eternity aired "Never Go Home." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Banning and Dent kidnap a friend of Laura's who is also a 'remote viewer', someone who can 'see' other places from a distance, to try and locate her and Ethaniel. They also visit Laura's parents, to warn them about Ethaniel and about how dangerous an individual he is. If they turn up there Banning gives them his number so that they can come and 'help' Laura."
"Banning and Dent kidnap a friend of Laura's who is also a 'remote viewer', someone who can 'see' other places from a distance, to try and locate her and Ethaniel. They also visit Laura's parents, to warn them about Ethaniel and about how dangerous an individual he is. If they turn up there Banning gives them his number so that they can come and 'help' Laura."
On this day in 2005, it all came down to this: Doctor Who aired "The Parting of the Ways," the season finale for the (restarted) program's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Dalek fleet is poised to destroy the Earth and only The Doctor, Rose, Jack and a band of television producers can stop them."
"The Dalek fleet is poised to destroy the Earth and only The Doctor, Rose, Jack and a band of television producers can stop them."
On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), The 4400 aired "Being Tom Baldwin." This served as the second episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Tom Baldwin shoots T.J. in the head during interrogation....or did he?"
"Tom Baldwin shoots T.J. in the head during interrogation....or did he?"
On this day in 2010, A Good Knight's Quest aired the seventeenth episode of its only season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sandrine and Raine report to Galen with their good news."
"Sandrine and Raine report to Galen with their good news."
On this day in 2011 (in the U.S. and Canada), Outcasts aired the first episode of its only season in televised existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Carpathia awaits the arrival of a transporter from Earth. A leader amongst the Expeditionaries wants to break away from the settlement. And a secret lies beyond the gates of Forthaven."
"Carpathia awaits the arrival of a transporter from Earth. A leader amongst the Expeditionaries wants to break away from the settlement. And a secret lies beyond the gates of Forthaven."
On this day in 2013, Dark Horse Comics released a massive hardcover collection for Star Wars: Legacy, John Ostrander's look into the future of the Skywalker family about 100 years after the time of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo. If you haven't seen it, check it out, as it's very highly rated!
On this day in 1950 (in the U.S.), The Shadow radio serial aired an episode titled "Corpse In A Straw Hat." Unfortunately, the details of this adventure are lost to history as I've been unable to find a plot summary on the internet. As I've been unable to locate those specifics, I am instead posting the radio series' premise provided by Google.com:
"The radio show The Shadow featured the mysterious figure known as "The Shadow," who was actually Lamont Cranston, a wealthy young man with the power to cloud men's minds and become invisible. The show, which ran from 1930 to 1954, depicted Cranston using these abilities to fight crime and solve mysteries, often accompanied by his companion Margo Lane. The Shadow would often confront criminals and thwart their plots, frequently using his hypnotic powers and invisibility to gather information and instill fear in the villains."
"The radio show The Shadow featured the mysterious figure known as "The Shadow," who was actually Lamont Cranston, a wealthy young man with the power to cloud men's minds and become invisible. The show, which ran from 1930 to 1954, depicted Cranston using these abilities to fight crime and solve mysteries, often accompanied by his companion Margo Lane. The Shadow would often confront criminals and thwart their plots, frequently using his hypnotic powers and invisibility to gather information and instill fear in the villains."
